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Britain was then under Vettius Bolanus, who governed
more mildly than suited so turbulent a province. Agricola moderated his
energy and restrained his ardour, that he might not grow too important, for
he had learnt to obey, and understood well how to combine expediency with
honour. Soon afterwards Britain received for its
governor a man of consular rank, Petilius Cerialis. Agricola's merits had
now room for display. Cerialis let him share at first indeed only the toils
and dangers, but before long the glory of war, often by way of trial putting
him in command of part of the army, and sometimes, on the strength of the
result, of larger forces. Never to enhance his own renown did Agricola boast
of his exploits; he always referred his success, as though he were but an
instrument, to his general and director. Thus by his valour in obeying
orders and by his modesty of speech he escaped jealousy without losing
distinction.